Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Friday, November 10, 2017

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his [Jesus] coming back again is drawing near."¹

I'm sure you've heard the old example of how to keep a fire burning in a fireplace. It's about keeping the burning logs and coals stoked together. Coals that fall away from the body of the fire soon become cold and their fire goes out.

This is an excellent illustration of why those who claim to be believers in Jesus need to be actively involved in a good church. To keep on fireâ€"that is, enthusiastic, regarding our faith we need fellowship and connection with fellow Christians.

Furthermore, we were created for relationships. Christianity is not only having a right relationship with God, but also with others. Healthy relationships are vital for healthy living and meaningful growthâ€"physical, emotional, and spiritual. We may exist but cannot live meaningfully and healthily in isolation.

God himself is in relationship: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. And one of the first things Jesus did at the commencement of his earthly ministry was to choose twelve "that they might be with him."²

We need not only to "walk with Jesus" but also with each other. None of us can make it alone. We weren't meant to. Likewise we need to belong to a fellowship filled with warm and loving Christians to help keep us "on fire" for God.

Note: Be sure to read the article, "What a Good Church Can Do for You" at http://tinyurl.com/bs9jf.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to stay connected to loving and supportive Christians so I can stay enthusiastic about my Christian faith and 'on fire' for You. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Hebrews 10:25 (NLT).
2. Mark 3:14.

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